ALDOT Director John Cooper’s Actions Force BCBC to Increase Tolls on BEX Bridge


New Toll Rates Will Take Effect August 30, 2023

The Baldwin County Bridge Company released the following statement regarding new toll rates for the Beach Express Bridge: “BCBC had proposed to build a new span and provide a 4-lane bridge for the citizens of Baldwin County to use for free, but ALDOT Director John Cooper refused to even consider that proposal. Now, as a result of the actions taken by Director Cooper, BCBC has been forced to increase the toll rates on the Beach Express Bridge. The increase will take effect on August 30, 2023. Electronic rates for prepaid accountholders, which are the rates paid by many local residents of South Baldwin County, will be increased by $0.20 to an average rate of $2.22. The discounted electronic rate for Orange Beach residents will not be increased and will remain flat at $1.00. The cash and debit/credit card rate will be increased to $5.00.

Like all businesses, we’ve had to weather increasing costs because of national economic headwinds and inflation. Despite those costs, BCBC has not increased tolls since 2010. We’ve done everything we can to be a good neighbor, keep our tolls low, and provide safe and efficient travel options for drivers in Coastal Alabama. We’ve also taken pride in the fact that our business provides jobs for dozens of Alabama residents who provide excellent service to our customers.

But BCBC has also faced a challenge no business in this State should ever have to face: an unelected bureaucrat has decided to do everything in his power to put BCBC out of business. For years, ALDOT Director John Cooper has been on a personal mission to destroy our company. Director Cooper has admitted that he is building a new bridge right next to the BEX Bridge to put our company “out of business” and take away our property. BCBC has been forced to spend a substantial amount of money to defend itself in court from Director Cooper’s conduct, and it now appears that Director Cooper will be allowed to carry out his plan to destroy BCBC’s business and try to bankrupt our company.

The cost of years of litigation, uncertainty, bad faith negotiations, and direct pressure put on our company by Director Cooper has negatively impacted our business. As a result of Director Cooper’s actions, BCBC has been forced to increase its tolls. Despite the hostile business environment that Director Cooper created for us, we’re still working hard to keep costs low and limit toll increases as much as possible going forward.”

Your Route to Paradise

Orange Beach and all of Alabama’s Gulf Coast is excited to see you! Our family friendly destinations include sugar white sand beaches, entertainment districts, golf, shopping, and so much more. Our goal at the Beach Express is to get you to the fun faster!

As a privately owned toll bridge, the Beach Express is in the unique position to provide an alternate route to Highway 59. Due to the small fee we charge and fewer managed intersections on the approach, traffic usually is lighter and moves faster than state highway 59.

We've done the math!

Take a look at our Traffic Comparison.

We are easy to find!

Take the Baldwin Beach Express from I-10 exit 49 then turn left on the Foley Beach Express. Travel south for eight miles. See the map here.

We want to see you!

Everyone who travels the Beach Express is eligible for a discount. Locals, frequent visitors, occasional travelers, everyone can save!

How's the weather?

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Office Hours

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Sat 8am-4pm

Our office is closed for all major holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day (& the day after)
  • Christmas Eve & Day


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You can open and manage an Alabama Freedom Pass account online at www.freedompass.com or using our free mobile app.

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Travel Comparison



How much faster is the Beach Express than Highway 59?

Check it out here. With Beach Express, you can cut your travel time by nearly 20 minutes! But don't take our word for it... see for yourself!

Please note that this comparison is for free-flowing traffic only. Seasonal and event traffic can influence travel on AL 59 and the Beach Express.


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